Hamilton Zoo's Suzie the chimp passes away

Suzie the chimpanzee has passed away at Hamilton Zoo. She was 46 years old.

 

A post mortem has revealed no single factor caused her death although it is known that she had cancer and that it had spread to other vital organs.

 

Hamilton Zoo director Stephen Standley says that earlier this week Suzie was examined to establish the extent of the cancer to see what could be done to improve her health and comfort. The ultrasound examination was successful and she made a good recovery from the anaesthetic and was responsive when last observed at approximately 7pm, however, she passed away in her sleep overnight

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“Zoo staff, especially those who care for and work with the chimps, are quite naturally saddened by the loss but are comforted by the fact that she passed away peacefully.”

 

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker says Suzie was much loved by the many to visit the zoo, one of Hamilton’s top visitor attractions.

 

“Suzie was one of the original chimps of the zoo, she will be missed by her keepers and visitors.”

Suzie was born at Auckland Zoo on 27 August 1964 to former tea party chimps, Charlie & Siss. Suzie was hand-raised, as was her younger sister Sally. They have formed a troop with Mike and Lucy and their sons Lucifer and Luka for many years. The troop was transferred to Hamilton Zoo on 7 October 2004. Two females, Fimi and daughter Sanda, joined the troop in November 2008.

 

The rest of the chimpanzee troop, her keepers at Hamilton Zoo and some of her former keepers from Auckland Zoo were given an opportunity to farewell Suzie.